Spanish Party Proposes Bill to Restrict Public Funding for Companies Operating in Occupied Palestinian, Saharan Territories
✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | June 8th, 2024 — In a significant political move, the Spanish political party Sumar has introduced a bill designed to prohibit subsidies and public contracts for companies operating in the occupied territories of Western Sahara and Palestine. This legislative proposal, submitted on Wednesday, has sparked considerable discussion in Spanish media.
Objective of the Bill
The primary aim of the bill is to prevent companies that operate in these disputed territories from participating in public tenders or receiving public subsidies. Additionally, the bill proposes sanctions under anti-smuggling legislation for non-compliant companies. Sumar’s initiative seeks to ensure that businesses do not benefit from public funds while participating in activities that violate international law.
Sumar’s proposal is rooted in Spain’s broader foreign policy objectives, including the recognition of the State of Palestine by Madrid. The party emphasizes the importance of adhering to international law and human rights standards, asserting that companies should not exploit public funds for operations in occupied territories.
In the case of Western Sahara, the bill criticizes Spain’s ongoing commercial relationships with companies that illegally exploit the region’s resources. Sumar argues that these practices are inconsistent with Spain’s legal and ethical obligations to avoid complicity in human rights violations.
Alignment with International Principles
The proposed legislation aligns with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which mandate that companies prevent and mitigate negative impacts on human rights in conflict zones. Sumar underscores Spain’s duty to avoid any form of complicity in human rights abuses and aims to promote a more ethical and responsible business model that does not benefit from illegal occupation.
Legislative Details
The bill outlines specific measures to:
– Prevent companies operating in occupied territories from bidding on public contracts or receiving subsidies.
– Impose sanctions under anti-smuggling laws for violations.
– Ensure public funds are not allocated to companies that engage in activities in these regions.
Sumar’s initiative also seeks to guarantee that Spain’s foreign policy is coherent with its commercial practices, thereby upholding ethical standards and international law.
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